raw and imperfect

12:15 AM

Joshua recently asked me if I would post some of his photos. I love that he even cares about that and that he asked me. He really is getting quite good, and I want to encourage him in it as much as possible. It was one of those weeks, however, that felt like it left little time to have some fun shooting (both for him and myself).

He took this photo of me during our Valentine's Photo Booth shoot. I really like his composition, and that's why I'm posting it. I don't like the dark circles under my eyes (it was a not makeup day), or the fact that I didn't blow dry my hair. Obviously I had better things to do on this day, and I did not think I would have my photo taken. However, I post it because it's raw (I resisted the temptation to edit it) and because I need to let go of my perfectionistic tendencies sometimes (this post awakened that). Sometimes letting go is part of taking a risk, isn't it?

You look great! I feel the same way and almost each time I post...I have a little tingle of fear. It is awesome that you are putting yourself out there...taking the risk! Oh and great job, kiddo on the picture!

I completely understand those last couple of sentences! I'm proud of you for posting a picture without makeup! I don't generally leave the house (or have a picture taken) without at least a little mascara, but I actually ran errands without a speck of makeup on one day. It was liberating to let go of that perfectionistic (& vain) part of me. It IS a risk, sort of exposing yourself like that. You go, girl! {& the picture is great, by the way!}

I didn't have on makeup yesterday and my daughter wanted me to take her to WalMart. I told her no because I didn't even have on makeup. Her response - "You don't look any different than you ever do!" I think she just wanted to get to WalMart but sometimes things like makeup just aren't as important as we think.

I think Joshua has a great career or hobby ahead of him in photography!

The firs thing that I saw was how pretty and blue your eyes were! SO funny how we tend to see only the negatives in our own reflections...like you I'm working on accepting myself in the camera lens this year. You go girl!

What a great photo Jen! Such a talented young man you have there. And he had a beautiful subject to work with! :) I am so glad to learn that I am not alone in my want to let go of some of those perfectionistic tendencies. Thank you for sharing!

About me

Creativity, adventure, family and love are a few of my favorite things. I have spent the last 22 years traveling the world in search of them. My husband and I co-founded, along with a friend, an organization called Ten Thousand Homes, a non-profit building futures and homes. In 2016, I started a social enterprise called The Reverie Guesthouse. I believe we can change the world. I have two beautiful children who teach me everyday. I enjoy writing and the occasional photo.